1429 Rockmill Place NW
Lancaster, OH  43130 | MAP

Park Open Year-Round, Dawn to Dusk

Rock Mill, the gristmill, is only open during Rock Mill Days, May through October

Rock Mill

4+ acres in Bloom/Greenfield Townships in the west-northwest part of the county.

The site was acquired 2003 by donation from Robert and Rita Stebelton.

Some of the activities you can enjoy at this park are viewing Rock Mill and Rock Mill Covered Bridge, birding and nature watching, photography, hiking or walking, dog walking, picnicking.

Rock Mill

Probably the crowning jewel of Fairfield County Park is Rock Mill.

The first mill (1799-1822) on the site was destroyed by flooding.  Built in 1824, Rock Mill was one of a dozen mills in the area whose power source was the Hocking River.  It was in operation as late as 1905 when it was closed.  For nearly 100 years, it sat vacant and in disrepair.  After acquiring the site in 2003, a labor-intensive restoration was begun.  A replica of the 26′-diameter all-wood waterwheel was crafted and installed in September 2013; it is the largest of its kind in the state.

In 2017, Rock Mill roared to life!  People from all over the U.S. and beyond visited to see the mill in action.  Come see it for yourself during Rock Mill Weekends when it is open for tours Saturdays and Sundays, May through October.  See the Calendar of Events for details.

Read more about Rock Mill

Rock Mill Covered Bridge

Next to the mill is the iconic Rock Mill Covered Bridge.  It was built in 1901 by Jacob R “Blue Jeans” Brandt using the queenpost truss, is 36.5′ long plus 5′ overhands at each end and sits over Hocking River.  This bridge is a replacement of the original 1849 and 1880 bridges.  This bridge was restored in 2008.

It is no longer open to traffic.  It provides a lovely view down over the falls and into the gorge and there always seems to be a breeze to enjoy.  This is a favorite spot for photographers.  There are also many events on the bridge including LOBO (Lancaster Ohio Bikers Organization) and GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) tours.

Hocking River Waterfall

The falls of the Hocking River power Rock Mill.

Thanks to long-time volunteer, Steve Baldwin, for the photo (right) of Hocking River Falls in winter.

Trails

There are no trails at this location.

Shelters & Facilities

Rock Mill Covered Bridge

Rock Mill Covered Bridge

Reservations:  Yes, this covered bridge may be reserved.  Call (614) 321-4833 ext 103 or (740) 652-4422 to check availability.
Rental Fee:  $50, non-refundable
Security Deposit:  $100*, refunded if terms of Facility Rental Agreement are met
*Fairfield County Park District may also bill the renter for clean-up and/or for repair of damages, if necessary.

Electricity:  No
Bathrooms:  Portable Outhouse, during summer months

Description:  This bridge may be used for small gatherings or ceremonies with less than 50 people.  There is a paved path from the parking lot.  It is possible to drive to the bridge to unload and load supplies.  Vehicles must be returned to the parking lot during the event.

Picnic Shelter

There is no picnic shelter at this location.

Picnic Tables

There is a picnic table near the mill.

Parking

Near the mill, there is a paved parking lot with six parking spaces.  Please, when at all possible, save these spaces for the handicapped or infirm.  Just before reaching the mill, on the right, there is a large parking.